Leveraging Energy Access Explorer to achieve universal access to electricity in Kenya by 2030.

This study employs Energy Access Explorer (EAE) to analyze Kenya's pathway to universal electricity access by 2030. The geospatial analysis reveals grid expansion remains optimal for serving 82% of the population in high-density urban and peri-urban areas, while off-grid renewable solutions (solar, wind and hydro hybrids) prove most effective for 17% of Kenyans (9.8 million) in remote regions with low population density (<50 persons/km²). Key findings identify northern Kenya (Turkana, Marsabit) as prime territory for off-grid solar and wind solutions due to abundant renewable resources, while western regions show strong potential for micro-hydro systems. The study recommends prioritizing mini-grid deployment in renewable-rich zones, strengthening policy coordination between national and county governments, and enhancing data integration to improve planning accuracy. While the analysis provides robust spatial prioritization, future research should incorporate temporal phasing to track progress toward 2030 targets and address seasonal variability in renewable resources. These evidence-based insights will support Kenya's Ministry of Energy in achieving equitable, sustainable electrification across all regions.